Elizabeth's Royal Birthday celebration has come and gone. I decided that I like planning and preparing for parties more than the parties themselves. But Elizabeth definitely prefers the party, and she had a blast at this one. Here are the pictures I took of the preparations and set up.
The invitation complete with an RSVP to the queen. I couldn't help myself!
We rolled them into scrolls
We hand delivered most of them, but some of the royal guests lived farther away so we mailed those.
Since her party was on her actual birthday, we woke her up to balloons and a donut. Then we headed to the clubhouse to set up. If it hadn't been for Nana and Rebeka, the castle would not have been ready in time!
Welcome
desert table
delicious chocolate cake
pink cupcakes had strawberry cake
blue cupcakes had cookie dough cake.
craft table
One of the kid tables
Coronation Station
this castle that the kids could color was a big hit
I am not a Valentines Day kind of girl. I don't like the pressure of assigning one day to show your love for your significant other. It's usually a big waste of money and time wasted stressing in my opinion. With that being said, my kids (biological and school) caused me to have a change of heart this year.
My students asked me if we could have an "old school" VDay Party where they deliver valentines and make personal boxes to collect them. They all got it into it... even the boys. We (including me) had so much fun.
One of my favorite valentines.
During my 5th period class we had a group of guys come in to serenade on of my girls. It was a treat for the whole class. I loved it!
I also had a lot of fun making valentines with Elizabeth and Caroline. Elizabeth definitely has an opinion about what she wants, but her attention span is actually pretty long when we're "doing a project." Bert and I both got to go to her Valentine's Party. She was thrilled about each valentine she received. She felt so special and I loved watching her light up!
Tonight, Bert took it upon himself to get a babysitter so we could go to a movie. I have to admit, at first I was not very excited. But it was really nice to do something spur of the moment (going to a movie on a wim is crazy for us!) and something I didn't have to plan! Dare I say, I heart Valentines Day!
Elizabeth is definitely her mama's child. On February 1st, when we switched over the calendar, she started declaring, "This is my birthday month!" On Sunday I made the mistake of reminding her that in less than a week we would be celebrating her birthday. Ever since, she is quick to remind us that "This is my birthday week!" I hope her actual birthday lives up to the anticipation.
Elizabeth is into smiling with her mouth shut lately. I have to ask her to give me a "real" smile, but sometimes this is the best I can get.
The girls love for me to hold both of them at the same time. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do that!
At Caroline's 18 month appointment, she wanted nothing to do with identifying body parts. Now, she is constantly sticking her finger in (and when I say "in", I mean "IN") our ears, nose, mouth, and eyes.
Caroline always insists on walking to the car by herself after church. It doesn't matter how cold it is or even if its raining. This girl is definitely finding her independence!
Elizabeth was so happy to wear her "birthday" dress to church on Sunday. I should probably let her wear it all week.
Elizabeth use to wear her hair in the cutest little bob. It was so easy and so cute (in my completely bias opinion). Now she insists on wearing it long "like a princess". (Side note: she informed me tonight that princesses don't have mommies, so I was now her step sister... Thanks Cinderella)
Anyways, tonight Caroline tried her turn at the adorable bob. I love it. And I feel confident that daddy will now be able to get a brush through it too. Your welcome, Bert!
Before (almost always in a ponytail just to keep it tame) and After
I started my day with brunch with sweet friends in Buckhead to celebrate my friend Taylor's birthday. When I got home my girls were playing outside and the weather was beautiful. So I changed in to more comfortable clothes and put Caroline in more presentable ones (sorry honey) and we headed to the park. Good day! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Elizabeth's homework this week is to create something to hold her valentines from her school friends. The requirements were that it had to stand on its own and have her name on it. So being the unoriginal craft person that I am, we made a mailbox. But we had so much fun making it together.
This past weekend was full of movies and parties. Thankfully, Caroline's stomach bug was short lived. By Saturday morning, she was good as new. I was so happy to see my girl smiling again.
On Saturday afternoon, Elizabeth and I went to the fire station to celebrate Brayden's 4th birthday.
the birthday boy waving to the fire truck
getting a lesson on what a fire fighter wears and how to Stop, Drop and Roll
On Saturday night, Bert went out with the guys and Caroline went to bed early (still catching up from being sick). So Elizabeth and I turned on a fire and a movie. She got all dressed up for the show and set up all of her friends so they were ready too.
On Sunday evening, we went to the Morris' for a Super Bowl party. I think the kids had as much fun as the adults. They ran wild through the house, playing dress up, and having dance parties during the half-time show.
being sweet to each other mainly because they were so excited about getting to stay up at "dark time"
